Reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Arabic version of the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH-Arabic). Issue 25 (3rd December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alotaibi, Naser M.; Aljadi, Sameera H.; Alrowayeh, Hesham N.
• Is Part Of: Disability and rehabilitation. Volume 38:Issue 25(2016)
• Page Start: 2469
• Page End: 2478
• Publication Date: 2016-12-03
• Subjects: Assessment procedures -- evidence-based practice -- Kuwait -- outcome measure -- psychometric properties; People with disabilities -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2015.1136846
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8288

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: To investigate the psychometric properties (reliability, validity and responsiveness) of the DASH-Arabic in a cohort of Arabic patients presenting with various upper extremity conditions. Methods: Participants were 139 patients with various upper extremity conditions, who completed the DASH-Arabic at the baseline, 2–5 days later and 30–36 days later. Participants completed demographic data forms, the SF-36 and VAS at baseline, and a Global Rating of Change scale at first and second follow-ups. Results: Cronbach's alpha of the DASH-Arabic was 0.94. Test–retest reliability was excellent with an ICC of 0.97. The SEM was 3.50 and the MDC95 was 9.28. Construct validity of the DASH-Arabic with the SF-36 subscales and VAS scores ranged from r −0.32 to −0.57, all statistically significant ( p < 0.001). The effect size (ES) for the DASH-Arabic was 1.39 and its standard response mean was 1.51. The area under the curve was 0.82 (95% CI = 0.72–0.92, p < 0.001). The optimally efficient cutoff for an improvement was found to be a difference of 15 DASH points. Conclusions: The DASH-Arabic is a reliable, valid and responsive upper extremity outcome measure for patients whose primary language is Arabic; it can be used to document patient status and outcomes and support evidence-based practice. Implications for Rehabilitation: The DASH-Arabic demonstrated sound psychometric properties of reliability, validity and responsiveness. It is an effective patient status and outcome tool that will support evidence-based practice. This tool is recommended for evaluating upper extremity work-related injuries and tracking therapeutic outcomes.